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A Cosy Crime Club Mystery #2
A Game of Murder
Someone isn’t playing by the rules….The reading group at Norcester’s specialist crime bookshop adore a cosy whodunnit. So they are delighted to find themselves guests of honour at a remote country house for the weekend, to inspect the extensive library of Lord and Lady Verity.
When one of the staff plunges to their death from the tower, and a snowstorm cuts the manor off from the outside world, the amateur sleuths must use everything they’ve learned from their favourite detective stories to identify potential suspects, weapons and locations. But can they uncover the clues before the game-playing killer strikes again?
When one of the staff plunges to their death from the tower, and a snowstorm cuts the manor off from the outside world, the amateur sleuths must use everything they’ve learned from their favourite detective stories to identify potential suspects, weapons and locations. But can they uncover the clues before the game-playing killer strikes again?
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 8, 2026
In the first book in this series four members of the quaint bookshop reading group solved a real murder. In this second book when they are invited to spend a weekend at a country house party they certainly do not expect to have to do it again.
I enjoyed the clever layout of the book as events move from one room to another and the chapters are titled accordingly. The characters are fun and Bella in particular shines. In hindsight all the clues are there for the reader to solve the crime but I was having too much fun and reading too fast to catch them all.
The finale was entertaining and it neatly tied up all of the events. I enjoyed it all and look forward to the next book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I enjoyed the clever layout of the book as events move from one room to another and the chapters are titled accordingly. The characters are fun and Bella in particular shines. In hindsight all the clues are there for the reader to solve the crime but I was having too much fun and reading too fast to catch them all.
The finale was entertaining and it neatly tied up all of the events. I enjoyed it all and look forward to the next book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Following their recent success in solving the murder of the manager of their favourite bookstore, the members of the Quaint Bookshop readers group have been enjoying their fifteen minutes of fame. Invited to stay at the ancestral home of Lord and Lady Verity to see the famous library they are there with three American filmmakers who are hoping to shoot their latest movie at Abbots Chantry. When a body is discovered after a heavy snow fall leaves them isolated, the four amateur sleuths know its up to them to find those responsible. After all, they've done it once, why not twice?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Harper Collins, One More Chapter, but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed the first book very much and was glad to see the second one arrive quickly after it. With hindsight there are obvious clues, unfortunately I didn't spot them before the big reveal! Once again Bella was my favourite character but all of them are sympathetically written and very likeable. There is a third book due out in August which I will definitely be on the lookout for.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Harper Collins, One More Chapter, but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed the first book very much and was glad to see the second one arrive quickly after it. With hindsight there are obvious clues, unfortunately I didn't spot them before the big reveal! Once again Bella was my favourite character but all of them are sympathetically written and very likeable. There is a third book due out in August which I will definitely be on the lookout for.
March 15, 2026
A Game of Murder is a charming, classic whodunnit that captures everything I love about cozy mysteries! A group of crime-loving readers find themselves caught in a real-life mystery during a secluded weekend at a country house. The snowed-in setting gives the story that perfect locked-room feel as the clues slowly start to fall into place. I had a lot of fun trying to piece everything together alongside the characters. A delightful mystery and a great introduction for me to The Cosy Crime Club series. I look forward to reading more!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Game Of Murder by M R.G Davies
Rating : 2⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 341
Duration : 4 days
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I've done it again, I've jumped into a series part way through.
I was drawn to this purely by the cover and name, yes I'm that easily swayed. See in my previous internet life I was a board game influencer, that sounds way cooler than it actually was, but I'm still drawn to cardboard and little wooden meeples, but I'm rambling. On to the book.
As I jumped in after the first book into the series I spent the first chunk of the book feeling a bit lost and almost like I was missing something, entirely my fault, but relationships between the characters and even their personalities seemed a little skimmed over and presumed rather than explained, again most likely my fault.
I wasn't entirely enthralled by this book, it felt clunky to start with and it didn't seem to improve the further I progressed with it, stereotypes were bordering on lazy and abundant throughout.
The mystery, though quite intriguing to start with was slow and drawn out.
I just found myself not caring too much about the characters or the book
This is due to be released 6th of March, if this interests you then added it to you want to read list
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Thank you to Netgalley & The Publisher for the Advanced Review Copy of this book, though I am grateful for the ARC the words above are my own
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You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
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Rating : 2⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 341
Duration : 4 days
----------------
I've done it again, I've jumped into a series part way through.
I was drawn to this purely by the cover and name, yes I'm that easily swayed. See in my previous internet life I was a board game influencer, that sounds way cooler than it actually was, but I'm still drawn to cardboard and little wooden meeples, but I'm rambling. On to the book.
As I jumped in after the first book into the series I spent the first chunk of the book feeling a bit lost and almost like I was missing something, entirely my fault, but relationships between the characters and even their personalities seemed a little skimmed over and presumed rather than explained, again most likely my fault.
I wasn't entirely enthralled by this book, it felt clunky to start with and it didn't seem to improve the further I progressed with it, stereotypes were bordering on lazy and abundant throughout.
The mystery, though quite intriguing to start with was slow and drawn out.
I just found myself not caring too much about the characters or the book
This is due to be released 6th of March, if this interests you then added it to you want to read list
----------------
Thank you to Netgalley & The Publisher for the Advanced Review Copy of this book, though I am grateful for the ARC the words above are my own
----------------
You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/
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April 2, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.
I hate to say it, but I like the first book better... This story just took sooooo long to develop. It was boring most of the time with barely anything happening at all. I started to lose interest right at the beginning, unfortunately. I usually love this type of "trapped inside a house with a murderer" story, but this one just wasn't for me. It lacks action and I feel like there are some loose ends regarding the solution of the mystery.
On a more positive note, points for mentioning Agatha Christie throughout the book. It's one of my favourite authors and it's pretty cool how it also ties with the end.
I hate to say it, but I like the first book better... This story just took sooooo long to develop. It was boring most of the time with barely anything happening at all. I started to lose interest right at the beginning, unfortunately. I usually love this type of "trapped inside a house with a murderer" story, but this one just wasn't for me. It lacks action and I feel like there are some loose ends regarding the solution of the mystery.
On a more positive note, points for mentioning Agatha Christie throughout the book. It's one of my favourite authors and it's pretty cool how it also ties with the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an absolute treat of a cosy mystery—warm, playful, and wonderfully self‑aware.
A Game of Murder brings together everything I love about the genre: a charming cast of amateur sleuths, a remote country house, a snowstorm that seals everyone in, and of course… a murder that feels straight out of the crime novels the characters adore.
The crime bookshop reading group is such a fun, likable bunch. Their enthusiasm for mysteries shines through every scene, and watching them try to apply the “rules” of their favourite detective stories to a real case is both endearing and genuinely entertaining. It gives the whole book a lovely meta touch—cosy crime fans will feel completely at home.
The setting is exactly what you want from a classic locked‑room style mystery: Lord and Lady Verity’s sprawling manor, an impressive library, quirky staff, hidden tensions, and a snowstorm that turns the whole place into a wintery trap. When one of the staff falls from the tower, the tone shifts beautifully from playful weekend getaway to a delightfully tense whodunnit.
Davies balances the charm and suspense perfectly. The clues are sprinkled cleverly, the red herrings are satisfying, and the pacing makes it incredibly easy to read “just one more chapter.” The characters feel warm and familiar without veering into cliché, and the group’s dynamic brings a lovely sense of camaraderie to the unfolding investigation.
This is exactly the kind of book you curl up with under a blanket—and it delivers everything you hope for: cosy vibes, sharp twists, and a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the end.
My thanks to MRG Davies, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
A Game of Murder brings together everything I love about the genre: a charming cast of amateur sleuths, a remote country house, a snowstorm that seals everyone in, and of course… a murder that feels straight out of the crime novels the characters adore.
The crime bookshop reading group is such a fun, likable bunch. Their enthusiasm for mysteries shines through every scene, and watching them try to apply the “rules” of their favourite detective stories to a real case is both endearing and genuinely entertaining. It gives the whole book a lovely meta touch—cosy crime fans will feel completely at home.
The setting is exactly what you want from a classic locked‑room style mystery: Lord and Lady Verity’s sprawling manor, an impressive library, quirky staff, hidden tensions, and a snowstorm that turns the whole place into a wintery trap. When one of the staff falls from the tower, the tone shifts beautifully from playful weekend getaway to a delightfully tense whodunnit.
Davies balances the charm and suspense perfectly. The clues are sprinkled cleverly, the red herrings are satisfying, and the pacing makes it incredibly easy to read “just one more chapter.” The characters feel warm and familiar without veering into cliché, and the group’s dynamic brings a lovely sense of camaraderie to the unfolding investigation.
This is exactly the kind of book you curl up with under a blanket—and it delivers everything you hope for: cosy vibes, sharp twists, and a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the end.
My thanks to MRG Davies, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book 2 of Cosy Crime Club Mystery
The reading group at Norcester's specialist crime book shop adores a cosy whodunit. So they are delighted to find themselves guests of honour at a remote country house for the weekend, to check the extensive library of Lord and Lady Verity. When one of the staff plunges to their death from the tower, and a snowstorm cuts the manor off from the outside world, the amateur sleuths must use everything they've learned from their favourite detective stories to identify potential suspects, weapons and locations. But can they uncover the clues before the game-playing killer strikes again?
American filmmakers are hoping to shoot their latest movie Abbots Chantry. But when one of the staff is found dead, the members of the Quaint Bookshop readers group, who were invited to stay the weekend, find themselves isolated by a snowstorm, they decide to try and solve the murder.
I quite enjoyed this cosy whodunit that was investigated by amateur sleuths. The characters are well-portrayed, the pace is steady and I like the way the story unfolded.
Published 6th March 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #MRGDavies for my ARC of #AGameofMurder in exchange for an honest review.
The reading group at Norcester's specialist crime book shop adores a cosy whodunit. So they are delighted to find themselves guests of honour at a remote country house for the weekend, to check the extensive library of Lord and Lady Verity. When one of the staff plunges to their death from the tower, and a snowstorm cuts the manor off from the outside world, the amateur sleuths must use everything they've learned from their favourite detective stories to identify potential suspects, weapons and locations. But can they uncover the clues before the game-playing killer strikes again?
American filmmakers are hoping to shoot their latest movie Abbots Chantry. But when one of the staff is found dead, the members of the Quaint Bookshop readers group, who were invited to stay the weekend, find themselves isolated by a snowstorm, they decide to try and solve the murder.
I quite enjoyed this cosy whodunit that was investigated by amateur sleuths. The characters are well-portrayed, the pace is steady and I like the way the story unfolded.
Published 6th March 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #MRGDavies for my ARC of #AGameofMurder in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2026
The Quaint Reading group have been invited to the stately home of Lord and Lady Verity for the weekend, following their success in identifying the person who murdered the Quaint Bookshop manager. Also invited for the weekend are several members of the production company who are looking for filming sites for their proposed adaptation of ‘Murder on the Polar Express’. A very heavy snowfall overnight leaves the house cut off from the outside world. Then, one of the staff members of the house is found dead, an apparent suicide.
I really wanted to like this book and the actual solving of the mystery together with the interesting main characters is good. But I found the story very, very slow to start. For me also there was too much ‘padding’ throughout the book. There were pages and pages of musings by the characters on all sorts of subjects that had nothing to do with the actual story, and I found it a real distraction. In addition, there were several references to the board game ‘Cluedo’ in the book: events happening in various named rooms, the candlestick, the rope, the knife etc but that fizzled out as though it had been forgotten. Overall, a disappointing read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins (One More Chapter) for an ARC for my honest review.
I really wanted to like this book and the actual solving of the mystery together with the interesting main characters is good. But I found the story very, very slow to start. For me also there was too much ‘padding’ throughout the book. There were pages and pages of musings by the characters on all sorts of subjects that had nothing to do with the actual story, and I found it a real distraction. In addition, there were several references to the board game ‘Cluedo’ in the book: events happening in various named rooms, the candlestick, the rope, the knife etc but that fizzled out as though it had been forgotten. Overall, a disappointing read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins (One More Chapter) for an ARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The reading group at Norcester’s specialist crime bookshop adore a cosy whodunnit. So they are delighted to find themselves guests of honour at a remote country house for the weekend, to inspect the extensive library of Lord and Lady Verity. When one of the staff plunges to their death from the tower, and a snowstorm cuts the manor off from the outside world, the amateur sleuths must use everything they’ve learned from their favourite detective stories to identify potential suspects, weapons and locations.
The second outing for The Cosy Crime Club & another well written cosy mystery. I began to like the club members in the previous book & they are ‘growing on’ me even more in this book. I love the dynamics within the group & how well they are working together. There were twists, turns & red herrings plus there were plenty of clues, if only I’d realised, I’d have solved it (LOL) but I was left guessing until the end. A thoroughly enjoyable book & I look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The second outing for The Cosy Crime Club & another well written cosy mystery. I began to like the club members in the previous book & they are ‘growing on’ me even more in this book. I love the dynamics within the group & how well they are working together. There were twists, turns & red herrings plus there were plenty of clues, if only I’d realised, I’d have solved it (LOL) but I was left guessing until the end. A thoroughly enjoyable book & I look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
March 28, 2026
The four members Reading Group of the Quaint Bookshop became famous for solving the murder of the bookshop manager. Now their fame has led to them being invited as guests to a country house weekend at the estate of Lord and Lady Verity. However, when it snows heavily on their first night and the estate becomes cut off from the rest of the world, they find themselves embroiled in a classic locked room murder, with all the trappings of a game of Cluedo (or Clue) along with the estate staff and an American film crew.
This was a lot of fun. I enjoy that the Reading Group is made up of four disparate characters – a rather stuffy retired professor, a would-be writer, a failed actor and a middle aged woman who has just escaped from a controlling husband. They all bring something to the party in world experience and knowledge. The plot develops gradually but there are lots of clues along the way for the reader to find.
3.5★
With thanks to Harper Collins UK via Netgalley for a copy to read
This was a lot of fun. I enjoy that the Reading Group is made up of four disparate characters – a rather stuffy retired professor, a would-be writer, a failed actor and a middle aged woman who has just escaped from a controlling husband. They all bring something to the party in world experience and knowledge. The plot develops gradually but there are lots of clues along the way for the reader to find.
3.5★
With thanks to Harper Collins UK via Netgalley for a copy to read
April 1, 2026
A fun read. A mystery reading group solved the murder of the manager of the bookstore where they met and are now invited to a remote country house to inspect its extensive library. But when a staff member falls to their death the group suspect murder. And when they are cut off from the outside world due to a winter storm, the mystery reading group have to wonder if they can figure out a second "real" life murder with just what they have learned from their favorite fictional sleuths.
Told from the pov of the different members of the reading group, you get a real feel for their characters which are very diverse from each other. But in spite of that, they support each other and in the end work together to figure out the murder. Chapters are named after various rooms in the house and clues are to be found there. I figure it out before the ending but not all the details. I enjoyed it and though this is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Told from the pov of the different members of the reading group, you get a real feel for their characters which are very diverse from each other. But in spite of that, they support each other and in the end work together to figure out the murder. Chapters are named after various rooms in the house and clues are to be found there. I figure it out before the ending but not all the details. I enjoyed it and though this is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
April 12, 2026
Lovers of classic ‘golden age’ detective fiction will be right at home with this. It’s the second in a new series about the four members of a reading group (please don’t call them a book club!) who turn detective to solve murders that just keep happening in their vicinity. In Murder by the Book, it was their popular bookshop manager, and in A Game of Murder they’re guests at a country house for the weekend when a blizzard cuts them off and one of the staff is murdered.
I love the way M. R. G. Davies plots all the twists and turns, and he obviously loves the whole genre as he’s always putting in subtle clues to other books and writers and, in this instance, to the game of Cluedo as well, so there’s an added layer of detecting for readers as they decipher the links to the game.
This is a funny, clever and affectionate take on the classics with a modern twist, and I thoroughly recommend it as it’s great fun!
I love the way M. R. G. Davies plots all the twists and turns, and he obviously loves the whole genre as he’s always putting in subtle clues to other books and writers and, in this instance, to the game of Cluedo as well, so there’s an added layer of detecting for readers as they decipher the links to the game.
This is a funny, clever and affectionate take on the classics with a modern twist, and I thoroughly recommend it as it’s great fun!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was so fun. The author combined cozy mysteries and beloved board games, two of my favorite things.
We get to know a bit more about Bella's sister in this novel. I'm glad to say that each character seems to be doing well following their last adventure.
The reading group find themselves in the midst of another mystery that needs solving. They are away at a country pile, and a blizzard rolls in. They're trapped with a killer, and they need to find him/ her ass quickly as possible to avoid more deaths from piling up.
I really enjoyed the Clue tie-ins; secret passages, weapons, rooms. The author did a great job of setting the scene.
Thanks to Net Galley for the book to review
We get to know a bit more about Bella's sister in this novel. I'm glad to say that each character seems to be doing well following their last adventure.
The reading group find themselves in the midst of another mystery that needs solving. They are away at a country pile, and a blizzard rolls in. They're trapped with a killer, and they need to find him/ her ass quickly as possible to avoid more deaths from piling up.
I really enjoyed the Clue tie-ins; secret passages, weapons, rooms. The author did a great job of setting the scene.
Thanks to Net Galley for the book to review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC for review. To be published March 6, 2026.
2 stars
Sadly, this mystery, the second in a British series featuring the Cosy Crime Club (which does not sound like something I would normally choose, unless it’s the Cosy Crime Club that is included with actual snacks that I can eat whilst reading this book, so I should have known this would all end in tears) was a disappointment. From the description it sounded as if this whodunit, set in an old country house, would have many fun allusions to the board game Clue (or Cluedo for our English neighbors.). Alas, there were exactly none to be found but for the chapter titles. Hornswoggled, was I!
And the mystery and the CCC were both pretty dull. There was lots of running around the estate. I like resting. Not much here for me.
2 stars
Sadly, this mystery, the second in a British series featuring the Cosy Crime Club (which does not sound like something I would normally choose, unless it’s the Cosy Crime Club that is included with actual snacks that I can eat whilst reading this book, so I should have known this would all end in tears) was a disappointment. From the description it sounded as if this whodunit, set in an old country house, would have many fun allusions to the board game Clue (or Cluedo for our English neighbors.). Alas, there were exactly none to be found but for the chapter titles. Hornswoggled, was I!
And the mystery and the CCC were both pretty dull. There was lots of running around the estate. I like resting. Not much here for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
❄️ Snowed in with a killer? Challenge accepted! ❄️
I just finished A Game of Murder by M. R. G. Davies, and it was such a delightful meta experience! This is Book 2 in the Cosy Crime Club Mystery series, and honestly, what could be better than a mystery about a mystery-loving book club? 📚🕵️♀️
The members of a specialist crime bookshop are invited to a remote manor for the weekend, but things go south quickly when a staff member plunges from a tower. With a snowstorm cutting them off from the world, it turns into a classic locked room mystery. I loved watching the characters use everything they’ve learned from their favorite books to try and crack the case!
Why you’ll love it:
The Concept: If you’re a fan of whodunnit cozy mysteries, you’ll relate so much to this reading group. It’s like Clue meets your local book club.
The Setting: There is nothing quite like a remote country house and a blizzard to up the stakes. It felt so atmospheric and perfectly paced.
The Tropes: It plays with all the classic detective story elements in such a clever, self-aware way.
It’s the perfect read for a chilly afternoon when you want to test your own sleuthing skills.
Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: March 6, 2026
Series: Book 2 of Cosy Crime Club Mystery
I just finished A Game of Murder by M. R. G. Davies, and it was such a delightful meta experience! This is Book 2 in the Cosy Crime Club Mystery series, and honestly, what could be better than a mystery about a mystery-loving book club? 📚🕵️♀️
The members of a specialist crime bookshop are invited to a remote manor for the weekend, but things go south quickly when a staff member plunges from a tower. With a snowstorm cutting them off from the world, it turns into a classic locked room mystery. I loved watching the characters use everything they’ve learned from their favorite books to try and crack the case!
Why you’ll love it:
The Concept: If you’re a fan of whodunnit cozy mysteries, you’ll relate so much to this reading group. It’s like Clue meets your local book club.
The Setting: There is nothing quite like a remote country house and a blizzard to up the stakes. It felt so atmospheric and perfectly paced.
The Tropes: It plays with all the classic detective story elements in such a clever, self-aware way.
It’s the perfect read for a chilly afternoon when you want to test your own sleuthing skills.
Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pub Date: March 6, 2026
Series: Book 2 of Cosy Crime Club Mystery
March 6, 2026
If you enjoy classic cozy mysteries with a modern twist, this was such a fun read. The premise immediately drew me in, a group of crime fiction fans invited to a remote country house, only to find themselves caught in a real murder investigation.
The snowy, isolated manor setting creates the perfect atmosphere for a whodunit. I loved how the characters try to apply everything they’ve learned from their favorite detective stories to solve the mystery themselves.
The story has that comforting cozy mystery vibe while still delivering genuine suspense. There are plenty of suspects, clever clues, and just enough twists to keep you guessing.
A very entertaining addition to the series, and definitely recommended for fans of traditional whodunits.
The snowy, isolated manor setting creates the perfect atmosphere for a whodunit. I loved how the characters try to apply everything they’ve learned from their favorite detective stories to solve the mystery themselves.
The story has that comforting cozy mystery vibe while still delivering genuine suspense. There are plenty of suspects, clever clues, and just enough twists to keep you guessing.
A very entertaining addition to the series, and definitely recommended for fans of traditional whodunits.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had some trouble getting into this, maybe because I haven't read the first in the series and it took awhile to keep all the characters straight, and get used to the writing style. A cast list would have been helpful to separate the reading group, estate staff, and movie crew.
The storm gives good atmosphere. The references to Clue and the house's passageways and hidden writings were initially a fun touch, although not relevant to the story nearly as much as I'd hoped. The blurb promised a lot of the tropes I enjoy, including "snowed in with a killer," but some fell short for me. Perhaps if I go back and read #1 I'd be more invested?
The storm gives good atmosphere. The references to Clue and the house's passageways and hidden writings were initially a fun touch, although not relevant to the story nearly as much as I'd hoped. The blurb promised a lot of the tropes I enjoy, including "snowed in with a killer," but some fell short for me. Perhaps if I go back and read #1 I'd be more invested?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When the book reading group from Norcester's Crime bookshop are invited to a country house weekend they are told it is help promote it as a location for some American film makers. A snowstorm cuts off the house and they have limited power and no broadband. When a staff member is found dead, apparently after plunging from the tower, their crime solving antenni are twitching. It turns out that the woman was the sister of another member of staff and that's where it starts to get complicated. When a further member of staff is found dead, suspicion is on everyone. Can the group work it out before they become victims themselves?
An enjoyable read that reads like a giant game of cluedo in parts.
An enjoyable read that reads like a giant game of cluedo in parts.
April 12, 2026
Top-notch classic whodunnit.
The Quaint Bookshop reading group are back, and this time for a mystery set in one of the classic whodunnit locations – a snowbound country house. I love how Professor Stone, Bella Bourton, Harrison Fforde and Lauren Sherwood use all the skills they’ve acquired while reading detective novels to solve the case, and the little nods towards the board game Cluedo (including the suspects, the locations and the murder weapons) are a brilliant addition.
MRG Davies has followed up Murder by the Book with another belter, and I can’t wait for the third in the Cosy Crime Club series, From Murder With Love, later in the year!
April 12, 2026
Michael or M R G came to our local library and I'm on his newsletter list and he can consider me a fan. This latest addition to the Cosy Crime Club series is such fun. It's a clever murder mystery and a traditional locked room puzzle - although this time it's in a snow bound country house with a library, billiard room - you get the picture. Although it could easily be read as a stand alone book if you're doing the series, our four reading group members are developing even more. I like the fact I can enjoy this and although it is a murder mystery it's not dark or gory at all. Looking forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I finished this book quietly satisfied. The author has such an easy way of drawing you back into this village and its wonderfully observant crime club members. The mystery itself was cleverly layered, with enough misdirection to keep me guessing, but it never became convoluted. I really enjoyed seeing the relationships within the Cosy Crime Club deepen in this second book, which gave the story warmth alongside the murder plot. It is the kind of cosy mystery that feels comforting while still delivering a genuinely satisfying puzzle.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A snowed in group at a remote estate and not one, but two murder? The Quaint Bookshop's Reading Group is in their element trying to solve the murders. The group didn't really work together until the very end and it was a surprising conclusion. I felt like we didn't see much of Lauren this book and I missed her brother Simon. We met Bella's sister, Ronnie, but her feelings about Bella leaving Trevor made me sad for Bella. All in all it was a fun read.
Thank you NetGalley and publishers Harper Collins, UK, One More Chapter for the ARC
Thank you NetGalley and publishers Harper Collins, UK, One More Chapter for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set in a country house cut off by snow, the reading group are house guests enjoying the hospitality when a scream is heard. Karen, one of the staff members is found at the foot of the bell tower with a noose around her neck, suicide is presumed.
With the power out, no broadband there is no way to get help. The four members of the reading group, no strangers to crime solving, are not sure of the suicide verdict and decide to investigate.
A very interesting cosy murder mystery. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc
With the power out, no broadband there is no way to get help. The four members of the reading group, no strangers to crime solving, are not sure of the suicide verdict and decide to investigate.
A very interesting cosy murder mystery. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc
March 6, 2026
M.R.G. Davies does it again in A Game of Murder! I love reading about the Quaint Bookshop’s Reading Group, their interpersonal relationships, and their uncanny ability to get involved with murderous mayhem!
While it took me a while to get into the swing of things with this book, I really enjoyed the thing as a whole. It made me laugh and I was genuinely surprised by some of the twists. Overall, a fun mystery. I’d recommend anyone who’s interested in the Quaint Bookshop Reading Group series and, like me, dying to know more about the different members!
While it took me a while to get into the swing of things with this book, I really enjoyed the thing as a whole. It made me laugh and I was genuinely surprised by some of the twists. Overall, a fun mystery. I’d recommend anyone who’s interested in the Quaint Bookshop Reading Group series and, like me, dying to know more about the different members!
March 10, 2026
My first encounter with the cosy crime club was enjoyable, but it would be easier to get into the story and characters if you read the first book in the series. I like the chapter headings and the literary references that unfold as the amateur sleuths solve their second murder mystery. The setting is atmospheric, and the inclement weather adds to this. It's an easy read with all the cosy mystery requirements, a lovely way to escape for an hour or two.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 23, 2026
A Game of Murder is a clever and enjoyable cosy mystery with a classic locked-room feel. Set in a remote country house during a snowstorm, it has all the elements of a traditional whodunnit, and I really liked the idea of a crime book club turning amateur sleuth.
The mystery itself is engaging, with plenty of suspects and twists to keep things interesting. While I didn’t fully connect with all of the characters and found the pacing a little uneven at times, it was still a fun and easy read overall.
A solid cosy mystery that fans of the genre will enjoy.
The mystery itself is engaging, with plenty of suspects and twists to keep things interesting. While I didn’t fully connect with all of the characters and found the pacing a little uneven at times, it was still a fun and easy read overall.
A solid cosy mystery that fans of the genre will enjoy.
March 28, 2026
Professor Stone, Bella Burton, Lauren Sherwood and Harrison Fforde are once again thrust into solving a murder! The story has a wide range of characters from Americans to Aristocracy are found snowed in at a stately home. The Quaint Bookshop reading group join forces to find the means, motives and opportunity and discover secrets and lies! It was cosy, dramatic in places, entertaining, funny, full of twists and turns with a few red herrings thrown in, and mysterious. All the sub plots came together with a satisfying conclusion.
April 22, 2026
More fun murders from the reading group
The group is off to a country house owned by Lord and Lady Verity. The estate is being toured by Americans looking for a movie location. The estate is snowed in and the generator is pathetic. One of the Americans goes for help and the rest of the group wait for rescue. And the first murder occurs. Of course, a second follows shortly. The reading group has no choice but to investigate.
Strong characters, with a nicely thought out plot.
The group is off to a country house owned by Lord and Lady Verity. The estate is being toured by Americans looking for a movie location. The estate is snowed in and the generator is pathetic. One of the Americans goes for help and the rest of the group wait for rescue. And the first murder occurs. Of course, a second follows shortly. The reading group has no choice but to investigate.
Strong characters, with a nicely thought out plot.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second in the cozy murder club novels. Whilst this had lots of great intrigue and mystery, I was disappointed with the development of Fforde.i didn't see him as such a whiney, pretentious character in the first book, why did his arc have to go in this way? The addition of Bella's sister was great though and tied in nicely to the overall story. I did love the nods to Agatha Christie and locked door mystery. Thank you #netgalley for an arc copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fun cozy mystery with some good plotting and great characters. the vibes are fantastic and in general it's really interesting, especially with the ending's final reveal. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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